WestJet flights could be interrupted as pilots vote in favour of strike action

WestJet pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if a contract agreement isn’t reached with management by May 19.

The company’s pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, voted 91 per cent in favour of a strike on Thursday.

Negotiations will continue but the vote allows pilots to walk off the job as early as next weekend.

However, the union said that pilots will not strike until after the Victoria Day long weekend so as not to affect travel plans.

The union said that pilots are looking for a contract that addresses “large gaps in proposals on total compensation, working conditions, and job security.”

More reflections from today's successful picket, with over 100 professional pilots from United, Delta, FedEx, Jazz and more- all in support of @WestJetALPA. Air Canada Pilots are proud to be part of the growing #pilotunity movement, both in Canada and globally. pic.twitter.com/xt7VE2tIzV